If you've ever wondered what would happen if a kid's drawing of their wildest dream utopia suddenly came off the page and into real life, you're in luck, because that's pretty much what's happening right now beneath the Art Gallery of NSW.Â
Artist and professional disruptor Mike Hewson has taken over the weird subterranean world of The Tank with his one-of-a-kind new exhibition, Mike Hewson: The Key's Under the Mat, where for the first time ever, all the main lights in the normally pitch-dark Tank will be switched on, revealing a weird wonderland of interactive art pieces and play equipment that have to be seen to be believed.
We're talking: A steam room with stained glass windows that you can actually sit in, a functioning sauna with bespoke church pews, five actual operating public barbeques that you can cook on, rushing water to play in (seriously, bring your swimmers), a working laundry, and a free-to-use recording studio, plus a whole plethora of bright and delightful surprises that are all about getting community together, to do cool stuff, for free.
Basically, break your imagination and delete all adult expectations. This is unlike anything we've ever seen.Â
Kids who aren't afraid of some risk are also one of Hewson's big targets with this show (although parents, rest easy, the floor is specially made out of recycled soft rubber that's rated for use in public playgrounds), with the space also home to a wild children's playground.
Intrepid kidlets can test their...
Looking for weekend fun? Read on.
Sydney Open – an incredible one-day annual celebration of the city’s architecture and design – is back on Sunday, November 2. This year marks its 21st anniversary, with 55 buildings ready to be explored, many of which are rarely open to the public. Plus, there’ll be talks and guided tours. Book your pass and find out more here.
Marrickville’s Factory Theatre is putting on free fun every Saturday and Sunday during daylight savings, called Freekin Weekends. Head on down to the sunny courtyard to boogie to ace live bands while enjoying a cold one (or two). Plus, if you sign up before, the guys will throw in a $5 bar credit, thanks to the legends from Hawkes Brewing. In this economy? We love to see it. Find out more here.
Sculpture by the Sea in Bondi – the world’s largest annual, free-to-the-public, outdoor sculpture exhibition – is back, baby! The beautiful coastal walk is made even more striking thanks to 100+ sculptures by artists from Australia and around the world along a 2km stretch. The exhibition runs until Monday, November 3 – making it a great weekend activity. BYO joggers.
For a cultural hit, a gigantic interactive playground (for kids and adults) has appeared underground in the Nelson Packer Tank beneath the Art Gallery of NSW. Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat is showing right now – and it's free to enjoy.
If there’s one thing you do this weekend, I reckon it should be to see La Ronde at The Grand Electric in Redfern. I went last week and was captivated from the get-go. Part circus, part comedy show, and 100 per cent a dazzling good night out. I promise you’ll love it. Find out more here.
Grab your boots – Virginia Gay stars as a frontier heroine in Calamity Jane, the brilliant cult classic, now on at the Opera House. Plus, the fabulous Rent and Back to the Future: The Musical, are still here – but not for long. Keen for more razzle-dazzle? You can check out our full guide to all the shows on in Sydney here.
And if you want more boozy fun, you can check out Sydney's best bars here as well as the best clubs here. Oh, and you can suss Sydney’s best restaurants and best affordable eats too.
Hope you have a cracking weekend.
Weather not looking so hot? Check out our list of the best things to do indoors in Sydney.
